Miskogiizhig

"Red Sky"

Michael D. Taylor, age 61, of LCO, died Wednesday, May 17, 2017.

Michael Donald Taylor was born July 4, 1955 in Chicago, IL, the son of Donald Taylor and Evelyn Isham. His early years began in Chicago, where he attended Hawthorne Elementary, forming many lasting friendships. Mike graduated from Hayward High School in 1973, while attending Hayward High, he was an accomplished track star breaking the school record in the mile, resetting his own record several times. He enlisted into U.S. Army in 1975, serving two tours of duty. In 1985 Mike attended school at S.I.P.I in Albuquerque, NM.

He was known as "Mike on the Bike", by everyone, young and elderly. He inspired the young with his active lifestyle, leading by example. Mike was instrumental in getting the local natives to share his love of hockey. The local boys shoveled the snow off of Little Lac Courte Oreilles Lake to practice. Mike was a great competitor! He was rarely beaten when it came to a game of Foos Ball.

Mike knew he had a higher purpose in life and lived a different life than most people. A man of few material possessions and words but he always followed his heart. He was a simple man who touched many people by the traditions he lived by – love, respect, humility, strength, courage, truth, wisdom and living true to his self. Mike struck people with knowledge and made you think at a deeper level than most. He was happy and shared that gift with everyone he came in contact with. Mike was the smudge man and held a position of high honor. He was loved and respected by many and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his son Marcus Taylor; daughter Kelly (Donny) Nayquonabe, Michelle (Josh) Taylor, Melanie (Kevin) Antonio; brothers Gary Taylor, Larry (Jody) Taylor; sister Muriel (Jay) Shirriff, Becky Taylor and Sirella (Ferguson) Ford; grandchildren Matthew, Markailyn and Sophia.

Mike was preceded by his parents.

Tribal Funeral Rites were held at 10:00 a.m. Sunday, May 21, 2017 at Pineview Funeral Service in Hayward with Henry Kingbird officiating. Burial was in Round Lake Cemetery with Military Honors accorded by LCO AMVETS Post #1998. Visitation began at 5:00 p.m., Saturday, May 20 ^th at the funeral home.

Honorary Casket Bearers were Al Baker, Wade Bowling, Patsy Crone, Kim LaRonge, Alex LaSieur, Julian Martin, Julie Snow and Terry Tribble.

Casket bearers were Nick Baker, Thomas Cain, Vincent Desiderio, Willis Ford, Desi Gokey, Donald Gokey Jr. and Dan "Boone" Sullivan.